Full Report
The incident occurred shortly after the Hawk departed from RAF Valley on a training mission. The post Video Shows RAF Hawk T2 Trainer Crew Ejecting Before Jet Crashes (Updated) appeared first on TWZ.
Analysis Summary
# Morning News Roll-up September 23, 2026
## Overview
Today's report covers a significant aviation safety incident involving the Royal Air Force (RAF) in North Wales, where a Hawk T2 trainer jet crashed shortly after takeoff. The incident has led to a precautionary grounding of the UK's primary fast-jet training fleet.
## Top Stories
### RAF Hawk T2 Trainer Crash and Fleet Grounding
- Summary: A Royal Air Force Hawk T2 advanced trainer crashed near RAF Valley after the crew ejected. Video evidence suggests a possible engine malfunction or fire during the takeoff roll. As a result, the RAF has suspended all Hawk T1 and T2 flight operations pending a safety investigation.
- Source: hxxps://www[.]twz[.]com/air/video-shows-raf-hawk-t2-trainer-crew-ejecting-before-jet-crashes
### Technical History of Hawk T2 Fleet Reliability
- Summary: The Hawk T2 fleet has faced recurring technical challenges, including engine-related groundings in early 2023 and engine removals in 2022 due to in-flight failure concerns. Senior RAF officials have previously expressed concerns regarding the aircraft's reliability and its ability to meet pilot training output requirements.
- Source: hxxps://janes[.]com/defence-intelligence-insights/defence-news/defence/raf-grounds-hawk-t2-training-jets-following-engine-problem
### T-7 Red Hawk Proposed as Future Replacement
- Summary: Amidst reliability concerns for the Hawk T2, the UK is considering future replacements, including the Boeing T-7 Red Hawk. The T-7 offer includes local assembly in the UK as the RAF looks toward a retirement date for the Hawk fleet by 2040.
- Source: hxxps://www[.]twz[.]com/air/t-7-red-hawk-jet-trainer-offer-to-united-kingdom-includes-local-assembly
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# Main Topic
Crash of a Royal Air Force (RAF) Hawk T2 trainer aircraft at RAF Valley, resulting in the temporary grounding of the UK's Hawk fleet.
## Key Points
- An RAF Hawk T2 crashed in Pencarnisiog, North Wales, shortly after departing RAF Valley on a training mission.
- Both crew members successfully ejected and sustained only minor injuries.
- Video evidence indicates flames emanating from the rear of the aircraft during the takeoff roll; the Hawk T2 does not possess an afterburner, suggesting a thermal incident or engine failure.
- The aircraft exhibited "porpoising" behavior and a high angle of attack before the ejection.
- The RAF has implemented a "precautionary pause" for all Hawk T1 and T2 operations.
## Threat Actors
- **N/A:** This is a flight safety and kinetic incident, not a cyber or intentional adversarial attack. The "threat" in this context is mechanical failure and operational risk.
## TTPs
- **Pre-Impact Indicators:** Visible flames during takeoff roll, loss of pitch control (porpoising), and high angle of attack at low speed.
- **Emergency Procedures:** Successful activation of the ejection seat system by both aircrew.
## Affected Systems
- **Platform:** BAE Systems Hawk T2 (Advanced Jet Trainer).
- **Subsystems:** Potential failure in the engine or hydraulic systems (noted as being located on the rear left side).
- **Organization:** No. 4 Flying Training School, RAF Valley.
- **Operational Scope:** The entire UK Hawk T1 and T2 fleet is currently affected by the operational pause.
## Mitigations
- **Operational Pause:** Temporary grounding of all Hawk T1 and T2 aircraft to prevent further incidents.
- **Accident Investigation:** Official inquiry led by the RAF to determine the root cause (mechanical, bird strike, or technical failure).
- **Fleet Modernization:** Ongoing evaluation of replacement platforms (e.g., T-7 Red Hawk) to address long-term reliability issues.
## Conclusion
The crash at RAF Valley represents a significant disruption to the UK's fast-jet pilot training pipeline. While the aircrew survived, the immediate grounding of the Hawk fleet highlights ongoing concerns regarding the T2's engine reliability. Awaiting the formal investigation, the incident reinforces the strategic need for the RAF to evaluate the accelerated retirement or replacement of the Hawk platform to maintain training capacity.